Roads throughout the country remain treacherous

Roads throughout the country are to remain in a treacherous condition today as the heavy snow turns to slush and ice.

Temperatures are to remain below zero in most inland areas, meaning there will be little if any thawing until tomorrow.

Some light snow showers are expected in the north and west. But for drivers the real danger will be compacted snow, black ice and freezing fog which will creep across the country today.

Met Eireann forecaster, Mr John Doyle, warned drivers against believing conditions had improved because there was less snow on the roads. "It's probably going to be more treacherous underfoot. The worst of the snow may be over but the worst of the ice and frost is not."

AA Roadwatch controller, Mr Trevor Keegan, echoed that sentiment. "The snow is getting pressed down into the ground but it's not melting away. People feel that when they see no snow on the road there's no problem but that's not the case."

He said motorists should be wary of black-ice which tended to be found in sheltered areas, under bridges and trees, and on back roads. "It's particularly dangerous at night. The best advice is to avoid affected areas as much as possible and keep speeds down." Snowfalls eased a little yesterday, leading to improved conditions on many primary routes, particularly in the east and south-east. Gritters were also operating, restoring some normality to the N4 and N6 in the midlands.

Overnight frost was expected to undo much of that good work.

The roads around Athlone were reported to be among the most dangerous in the country yesterday. Extreme caution is advised again today.

The north-west and west probably remain the worst areas for driving. The main roads in Co Donegal were gritted yesterday but snow and ice persisted.

Streets in Galway, Sligo and Limerick were also extremely slippery and similar conditions are expected today.

Another danger spot is the N18 between Limerick and Galway which gardai warned people against travelling on yesterday. The roads around Ennis were also said to be in a dangerous condition.

In Kerry, conditions improved yesterday after gritting. The N8 around Fermoy and Mitchelstown is expected to be slippery again today. Caution is also recommended for drivers on the N20 between Cork and Limerick.

In the south-east, there is less snow on the ground but widespread ice. Side roads are still expected to be dangerous today. Tramore road and the route to Passage East was particularly hazardous yesterday.

While there has been some thawing in Cos Wicklow and Wexford on the N11, conditions are expected to be dangerous on side roads and in mountainous areas. Gardai are still advising motorists to avoid the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap, where dozens of cars were stranded earlier this week.

Closer to Dublin, the Naas Road was clear of snow yesterday but ice remains a threat.

Road conditions in Cos Meath, Kildare, Carlow and Kilkenny also improved yesterday evening. However, as with other areas, motorists have been recommended to reduce speeds and drive with utmost care while the thawing process continues.

Weblinks: Updated weather forecasts can be found at The Irish Times website www.ireland.com, while road information can be obtained from the AA at www.roadwatch.ie